Knowing more about wine is certainly a skill on my long-term to-do list, but in the meantime, I use a pocket vintage chart. There are PDA versions, but I like the ability to refer to a small laminated card in my wallet. These charts lists regions and years in a grid. You can quickly let your fingers do the walking to find a higher quality wine. For example, in 2001 California and Oregon had a great year.

Do a Google Image search for "vintage chart" and you'll see a number of different options in different languages and sizes. A more specific search of "vintage chart" 2004 will take you to the most current lists but only by region.